Talk to any football expert not named Kurt Warner and the evaluation about Temple quarterback E.J. Warner is something like this:

“He’s going to be a great college quarterback but he’s probably not going to make it in the league (NFL) because he’s only about 6-foot.”

That’s the one thing that stood out (or up) about E.J. to me watching him at the recent AAC Media Day.

He’s not 6-0 anymore.

Counting his hair, he’s at least 6-3, maybe 6-4.

Try getting that hair in a helmet.

Seriously, though, as Warner goes so go the Owls this season.

Let’s compare first years between the last significant true freshman starter at Temple, P.J. Walker, and Warner.

Walker, who was only 5-11, had 20 touchdown passes, and eight interceptions in his first year as the Owls went 2-10. Then he slumped to 13 TDs and 15 INTs the next.

That is what is known as a sophomore slump but still the Owls improved to a six-win season the next year before Walker was setting all kinds of records as a junior and senior in consecutive 10-win seasons.

No one is more aware of that than the younger Warner, who is putting in the time in the film room to make sure he avoids the sophomore slump this season. Bump those numbers up to, say, 30TDs and no more than 11 INTs and the Owls are in business.

Let’s Go Owls! Love that kid @elijah13warner #TempleTuff https://t.co/DSgyQRJ6l3

— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) July 24, 2023

Just from his on- and off-field coaching, I think he will.

Walker played in nine games his true freshman year and Warner played in 11, throwing for 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Yet his yardage (3,028) set a Temple freshman record and was better than any of the first three seasons of Walker.

Supposedly, according to OwlsDaily.com, Warner improved his weightlifting numbers and has grown from 190 to 200 pounds to that will help him better absorb hits. That site also noted that Warner improved his speed by about two miles an hour, although we’re not sure what that translates to in the all-important metric of 40-yard dash speed.

The idea is that the mere threat of Warner being able to run–something he did not do last year–will make him a more effective downfield passer.

That’s the theory.

The practice is that a good running game will probably benefit him more.

I no more want Warner out there keeping the ball on read-options than I want new Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper diving into camera wells next to dugouts to make great catches on foul balls.

Like Harper is to the Phils, Warner is to the Owls.

They are The Franchise. At least this season.

Keeping them healthy and productive is the best indicator of future success for their teams.

At least in Warner’s case, AAC Media Day confirmed he was a hair above the rest of the Owls.

Maybe even more than one hair.

Monday: Other Takeaways